Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Brazilian stew combining black beans, smoky sausage, and tender pork slowly simmered to develop deep flavors. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 165 minutes pairs dried black beans, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans and soak in cold water for 8 hours or overnight. Drain before cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and 8 oz sliced smoked sausage. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until meat is browned on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Stir in soaked black beans, 6 cups water, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 small strip of orange peel (optional), 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and stew is thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove orange peel and bay leaves before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Simmered Feijoada with Black Beans and Smoked Sausage?

Brazilian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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